Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-04-24
sonic Military Anecdotes.

Some years ago COlonelJohn McTurk
was in command of a certain depot.
Py reason OF the gentleman's incura-
bic propensity TO make use OF stronger
and more pungent language than is per-
mittCd 10y the conventionalities of polite
society. he was nicknamed "Sweerin'
jock 10y the youngsters who were tenn
pC1arily under his command. Colonel
Mel NIX was a polyglot swearer. He
could, with marvellous fuency, emit
stream of oaths in English, Gaelic, and
Hindustani. While excited the gallant
veteran was not particular which Ian
euage he spoke-if, indeed, he did not
hash all three together.
He could out-Billingsgate billings
gate, with something to spare and had
the Colonel been fated to serve i'll the
amy which "swore terribly in Elan
dcfs" would doubtless have won laurels
for Lis Objectionable accomplishment
even among such hardened expletiye-
n.oDgers.
4 local Free Kirk minister, Mortified
by tie reports current concerning this
martial reprobate, minated that he
would pray for his conversion on the
following Sabbath. Jock speedily
cot wind of this pious intention. Next
Sunday be attended church for the pur-
pose OF listening to the worthy preachers
remarks concerning himself. The
minister kept his word, and prayed for
the Colonel in most feryent and inn
piesSive manner.
After service "Sweerin' Jock " way
laid the reverend gentleman. Jocks
wrath, which had been bottled up with
difficulty while within the sacred edi-
fee, now found vent, like the thawed
notes within the frozen trumpet, as de-
scrlbed in Baron Munchausen. The
poor minister repeated the while the
ed Psalm, but was SO efectually
foored by the violence of the Colonels
maledIctions that he took TO his heels
end ran off. In attempting to pluck
from the burning flaming brand like
"Sweerin' jock" the minister, SO to
sneak, scorched his fingers SO severely
that he WAS glad to let go.
Shortly after the Crimean war an
inebfiated foot-guardsman, while pass
ing tobacconist's shop, where gaunt
wooden figure of Highlander was ex-
bibited, stopped short, and, addressing
the inanimate Donald, said "Ha'r
yer OF chum? Member yer at the
Alma. Giv's yer paw" No response
being made to these friendly advances
by the killed effigy, the guardsman
became furious, and striking a
pugllistic attitude, challenged the
timber Celt to fight. The soldier
pounded away at the face OF
the figure for few moments, and then
VIGOROUSLY reeled away with his
knuckles badly abraded. Returning
TO barracks when sober, the man had
his hurts dressed by the regimental
surgeon; who inquired into the cause OF
the injuries. Begin your pardin,
sir" was the reply, 81 was ins'ilted by
big Scotchman, and in course, sir, l
axes i'm TO stand out. We set to, and,
my eye, didn't 'urt my fists against
is mugl I've often 'eerd, sir, as 'ow
Scotchmen is bloomin' ard; but, after
this, if anybody told me they forged
iron coal-boxes out OF dead 'uns, I'm
blessed il / wouldn't believe him. "
Before the demolition ten years ago
OF huge barrack in the south OF
England cracked pane of glass could
be perceived above the door OF the or
derly-room. Az far back as the year
1876 this fracture was occasioned by 0
missile indiscreetly thrown in the course
| OF the roueh.nnd-tumble merry making